Skip navigation

Iron Chef competitor dishes on TV cooking

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Food-related TV shows were once relegated to the Food Network and PBS, but this year networks are scrambling to get a piece of the growing foodie audience. New food shows are debuting on channels like SyFy, Bravo, Fox, TLC and NBC. At the same time, the owners of the Food Network are launching a new 24-hour food network called the Cooking Channel.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

One chef jumping in to the fray is Kelly Liken, owner of an eponymous restaurant in Vail, Colo., who appears as a challenger in the current season of the Food Network’s competition show “Iron Chef America.” Her debut is scheduled for May 9. In addition to hosting a viewing party at her restaurant, Liken will offer a prix-fixe “Iron Chef Tasting Menu,” featuring dishes inspired by her creations on the show, complete with the special “featured ingredient.”Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

In-depth: In the May 17 issue of Nation’s Restaurant News, a special report will look at the growing opportunities for chefs and restaurateurs to extend their brand to television, and the blurring lines between real restaurant operations and reality TV.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

In a recent interview with Nation's Restaurant News, Liken shared some thoughts on her TV experience.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Why did you decide to do "Iron Chef" and is this your first TV show? Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

I have been watching "Iron Chef America" for 10 years now. I began to seriously consider competing after I opened my own restaurant and started doing local TV demonstrations and learned to relax in front of a camera. I was recently featured on the CBS Early Show, “Chef on a Shoestring,” and I did a series of shows for the Plum TV network called “In Season with Kelly Liken.” I have also done quite a bit of local TV.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Why was this show, in particular, a longtime dream?Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

This show is host to some of the greatest chefs in the world. Just to be in the same room with these people is an honor. To be able to share a kitchen with them is mind blowing!Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Do you feel your appearance on the show will impact your business? Any impact so far?Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

I believe it will have a huge impact. Most of our friends, family and guests watch "Iron Chef" regularly. We hope this show brings the spotlight not only to our restaurant, but to the amazing culinary scene we have here in Vail. We are hoping this will translate into lots of reservations this summer.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Why do you think the many cooking shows on TV now are so popular?Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Cooking and eating are universal. Food brings people together; it creates an atmosphere of nourishing and sharing. These shows can empower the home cook to try something new -- an idea, a technique, a flavor -- and share them with the ones they love.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

How do you feel the proliferation of such food/cooking-related shows impacts the industry as a whole?Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

The restaurant industry is now faced with diners that are more savvy and knowledgeable than in years past. They recognize quality and understand the difference between a good restaurant and a great one. Now more than ever a restaurateur must pay attention to every detail that goes into the dining experience if you expect repeat business.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Earlier in the existence of Food Network, critics said chefs would focus their efforts more on become TV personalities than on the somewhat-less-glamorous chore of serving great food night after night to their guests. Do you think that has happened?Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Actually, what I've noticed is far more focus on everyday cooks as TV personalities. Many of the most successful shows today are hosted by home cooks who are not professionally trained. I believe the networks have attempted to reach a broader market by utilizing hosts that aren't as intimidating as a world-renowned chef can be.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

However, I think the great chefs that have been successful on the TV circuit understand that they must train their team to cook the same great food the same way every night -- whether their chef is at the restaurant or not. In our industry, consistency is everything.Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Any more plans for TV appearances, and, if so, on what shows?Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Absolutely! I love the challenge and excitement of TV, and the potential to educate and influence our young people is enormous. We have a few things in the works but I can't really say at this time. Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

Over the past few years, Americans have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for watching chefs cook on television.

TAGS: News
Hide comments

Comments

  • Allowed HTML tags: <em> <strong> <blockquote> <br> <p>

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
Publish